Mates of State Among Lineup At Daffodil Festival

Each year, more than 100,000 spectators descend on Hubbard Park for the Meriden Daffodil Festival. The food, the fireworks and — of course — the flowers are all big draws, but the event has also emerged as the unofficial kick-off of state's outdoor concert season.

This weekend, April 28 and 29, a diverse collection of more than 35 of Connecticut's best bands will perform on three stages throughout the festival grounds. Jason Hammel and Kori Gardner, husband-wife indie-pop duo Mates of State, lead a strong Saturday lineup that also features Barefoot Truth, M.T. Bearington, String Theory and River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs. Sunday's performers include Chuck E. Costa, the D. Smith Blues Band and River Street and Friends.

Festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission, parking and shuttle service to the festival grounds are free. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit daffodilfest.com or call 203-630-4259.